Photopumped semiconductor image amplifier with optical preamplification

ABSTRACT

One embodiment is an optical image preamplifier having an input through which a laser signal is received and amplified, said laser signal emanating from a target illuminated by a laser transmitter or generated by multiple lasercom transmitters in the field of view; the optical image preamplifier also having an output; and a focal plane array having an input operatively coupled to the output of the optical preamplifier. Embodiments of the present method and apparatus may be utilized to overcome photodetector and post-detection electronic noise to permit near quantum-limited receiver sensitivity with simple focal plane technologies. These embodiments enable ladar, wavefront sensor and multiple access lasercom systems that provide high sensitivity with the wide bandwidth and wavelength flexibility of semiconductor laser media.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates generally to waveguide amplifiers and, more particularly, to optical preamplification of an entire image prior to delivery to a focal plane array of a photopumped semiconductor image amplifier.

BACKGROUND

Ladar (Laser Detection and Ranging) is an optical remote sensing technology that measures properties of scattered light to find range and/or other information of a distant target. The sensitivity of focal plane arrays (FPAs) used for ladar and multiple-access lasercom is not sufficient in many instances, so gain is frequently employed to increase the signal level from the FPA. Internal gain, for example as occurs in avalanche photo detectors (APDs), improves sensitivity, but complicates FPA design and signal readout. The use of an external optical image preamplifier to raise the signal above the noise level of the detector array and post-detection electronics can significantly improve system performance; however, image amplifier technology has not generally been adequate for this application. The use of a photopumped semiconductor waveguide amplifier gain medium overcomes many issues with prior art image amplifiers.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the present method and apparatus encompasses an apparatus. The apparatus may comprise: an optical image preamplifier having an input through which a back scatter signal from a target is received and amplified, the optical image preamplifier also having an output, and the optical image preamplifier being photopumped; and a focal plane array having an input operatively coupled to the output of the optical image preamplifier.

Another embodiment of the present method and apparatus encompasses an apparatus. The apparatus may comprise: a target illuminated with laser illumination that produces a weak back scatter signal of the target; an optical preamplifier having an input through which a back scatter signal is received and amplified, the optical image preamplifier being a photopumped semiconductor image amplifier having an output; a focal plane array having an input operatively coupled to the output of the optical image preamplifier; relay optics and a narrow band filter disposed between the optical image preamplifier and the focal plane array; wherein an entire image is optically preamplified prior to delivery to the focal plane array.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the embodiments of the present method and apparatus are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. These embodiments may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in the several figures of which like reference numerals identify like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment according to the present method and apparatus.

FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment according to the present method and apparatus of an optical image preamplifier.

FIG. 3 depicts a semiconductor waveguide fabrication process according to the present method and apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a graph depicting lattice constant versus band gap energy.

FIG. 5 shows an example of one embodiment of a multimode semiconductor waveguide.

FIG. 6 depicts a semiconductor waveguide 1000 having a heat sink 1002 with partially transmitting coatings 1004 to provide optical feedback.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing gain v. optical frequency for an amplifier with partially transmitting coatings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general the embodiments of the present method and apparatus may be referred to as an optical image preamplifier, an optical preamplifier, an image preamplifier or a photopumed semiconductor preamplifier. A photopumped semiconductor image preamplifier may be considered a particular version of an image preamplifier, which is in turn a member of the class of optical preamplifiers. The function of an image preamplifier is to boost the power level of the image to overcome noise in the detector array and post-detection electronics; this is what the use of heterodyne mixing is intended to accomplish, but heterodyne mixing is very difficult for amplifying an image because the wavefronts must be precisely matched at the array pixels. A preamplifier is far simpler since no wavefront alignment is required.

Optical preamplification is an attractive method of increasing ladar return signals, but the added optical noise minimizes the benefit obtained from the gain of the optical amplifier. By combining an optical amplifier with a narrowband optical bandpass filter, spontaneous emission noise added by the amplifier is partially rejected, allowing the gain from the amplifier to be realized as an increase in sensitivity. Spontaneously emission noise cannot be totally rejected, hence leading to a theoretical noise figure of at least 3 db.

A purpose of the optical image preamplifier is to enable comparable sensitivity without the use of a heterodyne mixing. Heterodyne mixing can also overcome noise in the detector and post-detection electronics, but requires near perfect wavefront matching (i.e., is exquisitely sensitive to phase variations across the input wavefront) and just does not work with an image, the wavefront of which contains drastic phase variations by nature. Additionally, an optical preamplifier can compensate for low quantum efficiency (QE) of the photodetector array to avoid degradation of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), a benefit that is not accomplished by other methods cited earlier such as internal avalanche gain or heterodyne detection.

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment according to the present method and apparatus. In this embodiment a target 102 is illuminated by laser illumination 104 and a weak back scattered signal 106 is directed to a receive telescope 108. Following the receive telescope 108, is an image preamplifier 110, relay optics 112, narrow band filter 114, focal plane array/receiver optical integrated circuit (ROIC) 116 and signal processing electronics 118.

Embodiments of the present method and apparatus preamplify images in a photopumped waveguide to enhance sensitivity of optical receivers. As a result gains of 30 dB and NF of 3 dB are feasible. There is good image quality with high MTF. Either continuous waves or short pulses may be used for pumping, the gain following pump intensity. The wavelength of operation supports ladar systems using, for example Nd:YAG, Yb fibers, and Er fibers, and the optical gain may be temporal waveform controlled by pump to enable range gating.

Embodiments of the present method and apparatus reduce ladar transmitter power and aperture, and enable a wider choice of FPA (focal plane array) technologies. By raising the signal above the receiver noise, embodiments of the present method and apparatus may reduce SWP and cost of ladar systems, enable multiple access lasercom receivers, and enhance wavefront sensors for AO. There are many benefits of the embodiments of the present method and apparatus. Prior art optical preamplifiers using fibers did not provide high gain and low noise with excellent imaging properties, but photopumping a multimode semiconductor waveguide amplifier enables efficient image amplification without serious image degradation nor excessive additive noise. Some of the benefits are: high gain (˜30 dB); low noise figure (NF ˜3 dB); face pumping by simple low power diode bars; large gain bandwidth (30-50 nm); supports CW, wideband data, short pulses, chirped or other coherent waveforms; wide operating wavelength range (750-2000 nm) can cover important ladar and lasercom wavelengths; fabricated by established epitaxial growth and wafer processing; pulsed pumping permits range gated operation; and avoids problems inherent in electrical pumping.

Embodiments of the present method and apparatus permit high sensitivity receiver operation using simple and low cost detector arrays. For example, embodiments may include: PIN photodiodes rather than GM APDs; resolvable spots and MTF determined by waveguide dimensions (large numerical aperture); and CW or pulsed operation (gain follows pump intensity). Embodiments of the present method and apparatus may extend to MWIR, which may be feasible using appropriate semiconductor materials and cryogenic cooling.

FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment according to the present method and apparatus of an image preamplifier 200. In this embodiment a photopumped self imaging waveguide 202 is located on a heat sink 204. Located above the photopumped self imaging waveguide 202 are diode bar pumps 206, 208.

FIG. 3 depicts a semiconductor waveguide fabrication process according to the present method and apparatus. As an example, fabrication and processing may be performed with a GaAs wafer 301. Epitaxial layers 302 may be grown on large, for example, 3 or 4 inch substrates 304 to form a semiconductor multimode waveguide 306 with quantum wells using quaternary alloys to control band gap and lattice constant. Wafers may be lapped to desired thickness from the substrate side, AR 307 coated and bonded to heat sinks to produce a waveguide 308 with a heat sink 310.

FIG. 4 is a graph depicting lattice constant versus band gap energy. Quantum wells may have both band gap and lattice constant mutually controlled. Quaternary III-V alloys (e.g. GaInAsSb, etc.) may be used. The quantum well thickness also modifies wavelength. FIG. 4 is a three dimensional representation of the thermal resistivity for In_(1-x), Ga_(x), As_(y), P_(1-y) quaternary alloy over the entire range of compositions. Thus, the quantum well amplifier may operate with a highly uniform temperature distribution.

FIG. 5 shows an example of one embodiment of a multimode semiconductor waveguide 500. For an amplifier of thickness d with N quantum wells of thickness t_(W), an overlap factor T may be calculated as T=Nt_(W)/d. The net gain (G=exp(gTL) depends on the gain coefficient g for each well and the length L of the amplifier. Quantum well gain may depend on carrier density in a complex way, but can be large (e.g., 100-1000 cm⁻¹). Carrier density may also depend on pump intensity and amplifier power in a complex way. Features may be a large area semiconductor waveguide, high index contrast, and high order multimode design. Waveguide modes (ignoring quantum wells) may be:

${\varphi_{ij} = {\sqrt{\frac{4\; Z}{ab}}{{Sin}\left( \frac{i\; \pi \; x}{a} \right)}{{Sin}\left( \frac{j\; \pi \; y}{b} \right)}}},{0 < x < {a\mspace{14mu} {and}\mspace{14mu} 0} < y < b}$ i, j = 1, 2, 3, …  , n  Eigen  function  normalized  to  unit  power

Signal along length L of amplifier may be calculated as function of pumping and input field distribution to determine image signal gain. The heat flow within the waveguide may be determined to obtain the operating temperature distribution, which is anticipated to be small and constant in time. Amplifier may be designed for Talbot self-imaging length (i.e., L=4nd2/λ) for the operating wavelength.

FIG. 6 depicts a semiconductor waveguide 1000 having a heat sink 1002 with partially transmitting coatings 1004, and FIG. 7 is a graph showing gain v. optical frequency. By using a partially transmitting coating in place of an antireflection coating, the self-imaging waveguide amplifier exhibits resonant behavior. The gain becomes periodic (Δv=c/2nL) with signal wavelength, and the peak gain may be increased by finesse (Q) of resonator. Also, the required pump power is reduced for a given gain, and ASE and spectral background are suppressed. However, gain may not be increased arbitrarily or parasitic oscillation could occur.

The present method and apparatus are not limited to the particular details of the depicted embodiments and other modifications and applications are contemplated. Certain other changes may be made in the above-described embodiments without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present method and apparatus herein involved. It is intended, therefore, that the subject matter in the above depiction shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 

1. An apparatus, comprising: a target illuminated with laser illumination that produces a back scatter signal; a receive telescope for collecting the back scatter signal and delivering it to the optical image preamplifier; an optical image preamplifier having an input through which a back scatter signal is received and amplified, the optical image preamplifier having an output; and a focal plane array having an input operatively coupled to the output of the optical image preamplifier through relay optics; wherein an entire image is optically preamplified prior to delivery to the focal plane array.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the receive telescope optics receives the back scatter laser signal before being received by the optical image amplifier and delivers it to the input of the optical image amplifier.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus provides means to accomplish selective optical image preamplification of an entire image prior to delivery to the focal plane array while rejecting background and minimizing additive noise.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises relay optics and a narrow band filter disposed between the optical image preamplifier and the focal plane array for the purpose of ASE suppression and background rejection.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the focal plane array/ROIC assembly comprises: an M×N array of wideband photodetector elements optimally responsive at the back scatter signal wavelength; a Receiver Optical Integrated Circuit (ROIC) interfaced with said M×N photodetector array; and a post-detection electronics module for signal processing.
 6. Image preamplifier apparatus wherein an entire image can be amplified with high fidelity and low additive noise prior to delivery to the focal plane array, comprising: a photopumped semiconductor active amplifier medium; a means for pumping said amplifier medium to produce optical gain as a selective wavelength; a means for assuring that the amplifier image quality is maintained in the amplification process; and further means to enhance the optical gain and reject background.
 7. The image amplifier apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the semiconductor amplifier medium comprises a thick, multimode waveguide fabricated by epitaxial growth of layers on a semiconductor substrate, said layers including multiple periods of thin quantum wells separated by barrier layers of a different and lower refractive index.
 8. The image amplifier apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the optical image preamplifier comprises a thick multimode semiconductor waveguide including multiple periods of quantum wells photopumed by a plurality of diode bar pumps operatively coupled to the photopumped waveguide, and wherein the optical image preamplifier has a partially transmitting optical coating that provides selective and resonant optical gain to reject optical background, reduce ASE and minimize pumping power.
 9. The image amplifier apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the optical image preamplifier further comprises a multimode photopumed semiconductor waveguide having its length in a very specific relationship to its thickness, refractive index and operating signal wavelength (namely, L=4nd2/λ) so as to assure Talbot self-imaging and produce an output image that faithfully replicates the input image with optical gain, and wherein the semiconductor preamplifier apparatus has a high gain of approximately 30 dB, a near quantum-limited low noise figure of approximately 3 dB.
 10. The image amplifier apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the amplifier provides: a large gain bandwidth of approximately 30-50 nm; a wide operating wavelength range of approximately 750-2000 nm as determined by semiconductor composition; and or extension to even longer operating wavelengths with cryogenic cooling.
 11. The image amplifier apparatus according to claim 6, where in the semiconductor materials used in the quantum wells and spacer layers is: grown by an epitaxial growth process in MBE or MOCCD reactors; selected from the III-V semiconductor alloy system including GaAs, GaAlAs, GaInAs, GaInAsP, InP, GaAsP, InSb, GaSb, and others.
 12. The image amplifier apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the semiconductor waveguide amplifier device is fabricated by: cutting or cleaving the waveguide device to the proper length from the grown wafer to achieve self-imaging at the design operating wavelength; applying the desired an optical coating, for example, an anti-reflection AR coating, to the waveguide device; and bonding the waveguide device to an appropriate heat sink for dissipation of the heat produced by optical pumping.
 13. The image amplifier apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the optical image preamplifier provides selectable pumping modes including continuous pumping to accomplish amplification of continuous back scatter signals, and short pulse pumping to permit a gated amplifier response to enable range gating of the back scatter signal.
 14. An apparatus, comprising: an optical image preamplifier having an input through which a back scatter signal is received and amplified, the optical image preamplifier having an output; a focal plane array having an input operatively coupled to the output of the optical image preamplifier; and relay optics and a narrow band filter disposed between the optical image preamplifier and the focal plane array; wherein an entire image is optically preamplified prior to delivery to the focal plane array.
 15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the optical image preamplifier is combined with a polarization optical mixer.
 16. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the optical image preamplifier comprises a photopumped self imaging waveguide located on a heat sink, and a plurality of diode bar pumps operatively coupled to the photopumped self imaging waveguide.
 17. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein receiver telescope optics receives the back scattered signal before being received by the optical image preamplifier.
 18. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the apparatus provides optical preamplification of an entire image prior to delivery to the focal plane array.
 19. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the optical image preamplifier uses one of continuous waves and short pulses.
 20. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the apparatus has a high gain of approximately 30 dB, a low noise figure of approximately 3 dB, a large gain bandwidth of approximately 30-50 nm, and a wide wavelength range of approximately 750-2000 nm. 